Eris pledges over R300 000 to worthy causes this Mandela Month

Eris is walking the talk on their ESG goals with over R300 000 pledged to worthy causes to uplift communities this Mandela Month

 

In its continuing initiatives to uplift the communities they operate in, Eris Property Group (EPG) has committed contributions to various charities this Mandela Month. Eris staff members are encouraged to suggest causes to be assessed and driven by the internal committee and staff volunteers. At the forefront of everything they do is Eris' core values ― excellence, diversity, inclusivity, integrity and innovation -- and this includes giving back. The aim is for these donations to have a significant positive impact on nearby communities in the long term.

 

Eris developed and adopted ten key Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets, which they remain committed to, while taking action towards alleviating Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues ― in order to make a positive and measurable impact. This is done by tracking progress and improvement through the project life cycle in the area of community engagement, resource management and risk management. Ultimately, this leads to creating healthy, sustainable environments with a sense of community and connection and driving long-term value for all stakeholders.

 

These are Eris' key SDG targets:

 

• No poverty
• Good health and wellbeing
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Affordable and clean energy
• Decent work and economic growth
• Industry innovation and infrastructure
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Peace, justice and strong institutions

 

To celebrate the 15th anniversary since their relaunch as Eris Property Group on 1 July, the Eris team wanted to reflect on the company's rich history and reaffirm its commitment to giving back to the communities they serve. To honour this momentous occasion - and to kick off Mandela Month - Eris donated R15 000 to the Alexandra Education Committee. This incredible organisation has played a pivotal role in empowering individuals with exceptional academic potential from severely disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them to unlock their true capabilities through quality education.

 

With its aim to uplift (nearby, neighbouring) communities, nearby is an understatement for TB HIV Care (THC), which is located just 100 metres away from Eris' Cape Station Project, in the Cape Town CBD. Eris' R80 000 donation went towards its HIV prevention and intervention programme. This registered non-profit organisation (NPO) works to prevent, find, and treat TB and HIV in South Africa; as well as targets interventions to address the needs of the most at-risk populations. Since 2013, THC has rendered comprehensive packages of HIV prevention, which are provided in communities, as part of an outreach programme, from a fixed drop-in centre. The programme interventions include health, education, behavioural interventions, risk reduction and more. Having recently moved into their new drop-in centre, the goal is to create a conducive, homely, safe space for their (mostly homeless) clients - where they can take a daily shower, do laundry or receive a hot meal, while they access health services and collect their medication.

 

To support pregnant women and new moms - to ensure that they are equipped with the basic resources when they need it most - Eris donated R35 000 towards blankets and toiletries to The Zoe Project. This community-based organisation across Cape Town provides support and assistance to vulnerable pregnant teens, women, and their families in the first 1 000 days of a baby's life. Its mission is to help women of all ages become self-sufficient, self-confident and an asset to society. As a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) and public benefit organisation (PBO), operating from Retreat Midwife Obstetrics Unit (MOU) for the past 22 years - and serving various other MOUs in different areas - it recently opened a second Zoe Centre, which includes a counselling room and classroom at Mitchells Plain MOU. These new offices and classrooms will enable the team to reach more pregnant women and families in need. With the expansion comes a need to increase their services - in particular their 'mom and baby packs' that are given to those in need, who give birth at the various MOUs in which they serve.

 

Children were the focus again when Eris donated R35 000 towards library books, care packs and newborn baby packs to Communities Assisting Schools (CAS) in Johannesburg. CAS, a public benefit organisation (PBO) started in 2009, focuses on government funded schools - previously known as Model C schools - with a historically successful reputation for delivering decent standards of education with admirable pass rates, which are now struggling due to fewer school fees being paid. The CAS team wants to create a support structure within the community for government funded schools. The aim is to support the leadership, teachers and pupils within the schools; assist in building an educational foundation; facilitate the restoration, maintenance and upgrading of schools' facilities; involve communities surrounding schools to assist in building a positive social conscience; implement strategies that will allow these schools to become self-sustaining; and develop a blueprint where the CAS model can be delivered by communities across South Africa.

 

Eris also donated R35 000 towards blankets and toiletries for Anchor of Hope, a non-profit umbrella organisation, started in 2009 in Bloemfontein, which comprises of seven different divisions. Its aim is to restore the dignity of vulnerable people, irrespective of age, gender, ability, political background or race. Projects and programmes focus on upliftment, development, restoring dignity and humanity, and providing a sense of worthiness and purpose. This is achieved by providing clothing, non-perishable food and support services through a network of organisations, projects, feeding schemes, counselling, awareness programmes, pregnancy homes, men's shelters and job preparation (and creation) projects. The vision is to expand their footprint nationwide.

 

For animals in need, Eris donated R5 000 in blankets and food to The 9th Day Animal Rescue Centre. The 9th Day started in 2014 with 2 stray dogs; soon the numbers grew, and it was registered as a non-profit company (NPC) in 2015. Their main focus is on stray animals ― including dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, horses and miniature horses. All the animals get vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and sterilised with the help of private vets. The team gives unconditional love for the voiceless, no matter their breed, age, sex, or condition. While educating the poorer communities in and around Krugersdorp, 9th Day also assists with sterilisations and vet care for their pets, so they have roughly 250 animals that they care for. As a pro-life rescue centre, the 9th Day team are not area bound, but instead, assist if they can, where help is needed.

 

Similarly for Friends of Rescued Animals (FORA SA), Eris donated R5 000 towards blankets and food. This registered non-profit company (NPC) shelter for unwanted dogs and cats, situated in Krugersdorp (Mogale City) Gauteng, has a pro quality of life policy and believes in the three R's principle: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome. In FORA's care, 350 unwanted dogs and 150 cats are dewormed, vaccinated and sterilised; given any veterinary care needed; and given a warm bed and good food. The dogs are taken for daily walks and are well socialised. The FORA team believes that rescues deserve safe shelter, quality food, medicine when they need it, positive human interaction, safe play, and most of all, a loving home. The staff and volunteers there see FORA as a stepping stone towards each animal's forever home.

 

 

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